Rash of chikungunya cases spells trouble

(Representative image)NEW DELHI: The repeated failure of civic bodies to prevent mosquito breeding in the city has led to a spurt in diseases like chikungunya and dengue. Doctors say they are witnessing an unusually high number of patients suffering from chikungunya this season.

“After 2006-07, this is the first time that so many chikungunya cases are being reported in Delhi. At AIIMS alone, we have confirmed 83 and 279 cases in July and August (as on Saturday),” Dr Lalit Dhar, professor of microbiology department at AIIMS, told TOI.

Mutation in the strain of the chikungunya virus can be behind the sudden spike in cases, he said, adding that reduced immunity in people who are not exposed to it may be another reason.

Dr K K Aggarwal, secretary general of Indian Medical Association, said there was a widespread outbreak of chikungunya cases in the city. “It is a disease characterized by joint pain, fever and rashes,” he said.

According to the corporation count, 20 people have been affected by chikungunya this season. But, as Dr Aggarwal pointed out, the real number could be many more.

“I do not understand why chikungunya is not a notifiable disease when dengue is. Both are mosquito-borne and notification is important to map affected areas and take preventive action,” he added.

“At least two persons in my family have tested positive for chikungunya. A neighbour is admitted in hospital with suspected dengue,” said Seema Dhawan, a resident of Malviya Nagar.

The municipal data, released on Monday, shows dengue has claimed two lives this season and 311 people have been affected till August 20. Muskaan, a 12-year-old girl from Shaheen Bagh, and Deepak (19), from Molarband, have died at Safdarjung Hospital due to dengue. Other deaths reported by hospitals are being vetted and a notification will come soon, a senior civic official said. Recently, a relative of AAP legislator Amanatullah Khan had died due to dengue at Apollo Hospital.

A senior AIIMS doctor slammed the civic agencies for failing to come up with a foolproof action plan to tackle the menace. “Public participation and awareness is lacking, too,” he added.

Treatment for both dengue and chikungunya is mostly symptomatic, but dengue can be fatal, said Dr Ashutosh Biswas, professor of medicine at AIIMS.

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